Diaspora

International Attention On Pavel Durov: Telegram’s Founder Arrested In Paris Facing Severe Criminal Charges

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2024

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Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging service, Telegram, was arrested as he disembarked his private jet on the tarmac at Le Bourget airport, Paris, the French channel TF1 reported on Saturday.

OFMIN, a part of the national directorate of the French judicial police, had placed an arrest warrant on Durov, a French-Russian dual national, due to lack of cooperation with law enforcement and suspected complicity in drug trafficking, pedo criminal offenses, and fraud, according to TF1.

Durov, 39, was said to have been arrested at 8pm French time, having flown in from Azerbaijan. The warrant on Durov was only valid if he was on French soil. As a result, TF1 reported that Durov traveled via the UAE, former Soviet countries and South America to avoid arrest in Europe. He also reportedly avoided traveling through countries where Telegram is under surveillance.

“He made a big mistake this evening,” a source close to the investigation told TF1. “We don’t know why… Was this flight just a stopover? In any case, he’s in custody.”

TF1 said that investigators from France’s anti-fraud directorate placed Durov in custody, and the CEO will appear before a judge on Saturday night before a possible indictment on Sunday. The alleged offenses include: terrorism, narcotic supply, fraud, money laundering, receiving stolen goods and others.

TF1 claimed the businessman could face up to 20 years in prison.

Pavel Durov will end up in pretrial detention, that’s for sure,” the source told TF1/LCI.

“On [Telegram], he allowed an incalculable number of offenses and crimes to be committed, which he did nothing to moderate.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the Russian Embassy in France has taken the necessary steps to clarify the situation surrounding Durov, TASS reported.

Vladislav Davankov, Deputy Chair in the State Duma of Russia, spoke to Russian Foreign Ministry Sergei Lavrov requesting Durov’s release.

Russia’s representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, tweeted “Some naive persons still don’t understand that if they play more or less visible role in international information space it is not safe for them to visit countries which move towards much more totalitarian societies.”

Tucker Carlson, the American commentator, tweeted that Durov was arrested for trying “to exercise free speech.”

“Pavel Durov sits in a French jail tonight, a living warning to any platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intel agencies. Darkness is descending fast on the formerly free world.”

Telegram, based in Dubai, was founded by Russian-born Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after he refused to comply with demands to shut down opposition communities on his VK social media platform, which he sold.

Diaspora

Diaspora Watch – Vol. 88

Published

3 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Excel Blogger

IT’S 88TH EDITION OF DIASPORA WATCH NEWSPAPER!

The publishers of Diaspora Watch Newspaper are pleased to announce the release of its 88th edition, a compelling compilation of in-depth analyses and global perspectives on pressing international developments shaping today’s world.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-88/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3307041?__r=1069759

SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE LINK BELOW!!!
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Leading this edition is a detailed examination of the fragile diplomatic landscape between the United States and Iran in the aftermath of the Islamabad talks collapse, raising critical questions about the future of bilateral relations and stability in the Middle East.

The edition also captures rising geopolitical crises in the Gulf, as U.S. President Donald Trump issues strong warnings over a potential shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, sparking fears of global economic disruption.

In a major international policy development, the Caribbean Community has thrown its weight behind a United Nations resolution recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity, underscoring renewed calls for historical justice and reparations.

On the African front, the Africa Centre’s for Disease Control and Prevention raises alarm over systemic inefficiencies leading to the loss of nearly 40 per cent of the continent’s health resources, highlighting the urgent need for structural reforms.

The edition further explores China’s strategic push to establish world-class IT clusters amid intensifying global industrial competition, as well as India’s decision to withdraw its bid to host the COP33 Climate Summit, signaling shifts in global climate diplomacy.

In Europe, UK Labor leader Keir Starmer emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to maintain the Iran-US ceasefire and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while the Scottish Conservatives outline new tax cut proposals aimed at addressing the cost-of-living crisis.

This edition concludes with an inspiring spotlight on Nigerian-American entrepreneur John Imah, whose $1.5 billion fashion-tech company, SPREEAI, is redefining the future of global retail through artificial intelligence.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve with the 88th edition of Diaspora Watch where we the complex dynamics shaping our world and provide insights into the stories that matter.

#DiasporaWatch #trending #featured #africa #IranUs

Diaspora

Diaspora Diva – Duckie Thot

Published

1 week ago

April 4, 2026

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Duckie Thot has become one of the most recognisable faces in global fashion, admired for her striking beauty and strong presence on international runways. Born Nyadak Thot on October 23, 1995, in Melbourne, she is of South Sudanese heritage and grew up in Australia after her family fled conflict in South Sudan before her birth.

Thot first gained public attention in 2013 when she competed in Australia’s Next Top Model, finishing as one of the top contestants. Al-though the exposure helped launch her career, she initially struggled to secure opportunities in Australia, which she attributed to limit-ed representation for models of colour in the local fashion industry.

Determined to pursue her dream, she later relocated to New York, where her career quickly gained momentum. A breakthrough moment came when she was invited to work with Kanye West, leading to her runway debut at the Yeezy Spring/Summer 2017 show. Since then, she has walked for major fashion houses and featured in campaigns for brands including Fenty Beauty, Balmain and Moschino.

Her profile rose further when she starred as Alice in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar in-spired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The project, which featured an all-Black cast, celebrated diversity in fashion and helped cement Thot’s reputation as one of the industry’s most influen-tial models.Beyond modelling, Thot has also been vocal about di-versity and inclusion in the beauty and fashion world. Having once struggled to find makeup suited to her skin tone on photo shoots, she now advocates for broader repre-sentation behind the scenes and on the runway, inspiring a new generation of models to see themselves reflected

Diaspora

Diaspora Watch Vol. 86

Published

2 weeks ago

March 29, 2026

Excel Blogger

Diaspora Watch Newspaper Rolls Out 86th Edition

Diaspora Watch Newspaper announces the publication of its 86th edition, a robust compilation of major global developments, policy debates, and defining moments across politics, economy, and culture.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-86/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3294104?__r=1069759

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Leading the edition is a striking governance story from Madagascar, where the President has proposed the use of lie detector tests for cabinet members—an unprecedented move that has ignited conversations around transparency and executive accountability.

Also headlining the front page is the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of engagement with Iran, a development that has triggered mixed reactions and heightened global attention amid already fragile diplomatic dynamics.

In Europe, Hungary has launched an official investigation following claims that its Foreign Minister was subjected to illegal wiretapping, raising serious questions about privacy, state surveillance, and political intrigue. In a related development, Trump has stirred further controversy after sharing a satirical skit mocking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, even as sensitive discussions around the Iran situation continue.

On the international stage, China has cautioned the United States and Israel against escalating crises, invoking lessons from the Iraq War as a warning against the far-reaching consequences of military conflict.

From Africa, the World Health Organization has confirmed the deaths of 64 individuals in a hospital attack in Sudan, highlighting the deepening humanitarian emergency in the region. Additionally, African governments are intensifying efforts to regulate the digital economy, with new moves to tax online gambling platforms facing resistance from industry operators.

In the Caribbean, the private sector has lauded Afreximbank’s $5 billion investment pledge, describing it as a transformative initiative expected to strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities for growth within the region.

Completing the edition, the back page celebrates global pop culture, as bold, feather-inspired fashion takes center stage at the Oscars red carpet, reflecting creativity and evolving style narratives in the entertainment industry.

This edition reinforces Diaspora Watch Newspaper’s dedication to delivering authoritative journalism, in-depth analysis, and stories that matter to a global audience.

Stay Informed and ahead of the curve with the 50th edition of Diaspora Watch, where we explore the complex dynamics shaping our world and provide insights into the stories that matter.

Stay connected with the world around you – read Diaspora Watch today!

Celebrating African excellence and spotlighting pressing global issues.

#DiasporaWatch #AfricaInFocus #GlobalNews #CulturalVoices #AfricanPerspective